In Ground Sprinkler Company Recommendations? (rentals, insurance, house)

[Workin_Hard]

Does anyone have recommendations on good companies to deal with when putting in a sprinkler system? This summer's heat wave wore me out chasing around with the hose every day and I think it's time. I'm in PWC and the two estimates I have so far are for $4800 (which is just silly) and $3600. I was thinking more like $2500 for a 1/4 acre lot. Self-install is not an option due to the heavy clay in this area.

Any stories on who's good or who to avoid?

[weezycom]

My boss used Creative Irrigation based in Ashburn and he's been happy with the results. It was installed this past spring, however, so I can't report on how well it holds up medium or long-term. I think he paid closer to your high estimate, though, and this company was the least expensive of the ones that quoted him prices. His house is on a pronounced slope and about 1/4 acre. I'm also not sure what sort of bells & whistles he got on the system.

All that said, from what I gathered from the paperwork that I did see, $2500 wouldn't provide any real profit for the contractor after labor, equipment & vehicles, all the insurances, etc., were covered.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by Workin_Hard

Any stories on who's good or who to avoid?

Workin Hard, Go to those tool rental places, like Sunbelt Rentals, and you can buy a follow behind trench machine that can dig the trench for you. Yes the clay and rocks are a bear, but it's going to save you a lot of money in the long run.

[mominbristow]

We used Affordable Lawn Service and were thrilled with them. They're on Angie's List, gave us a fair quote (not the cheapest, mind you, but a solid one with good equipment being used) and were a pleasure to deal with before, on install day, and after. There is always someone in the office answering the phones (which is more than what I can say about most everyone else we called, who we usually had to end up playing phone tag with). Never gave us a run-around and have stood by their work. I would definitely be careful when hiring someone in this field as there are a lot of fly-by-night companies -- and nothing is more expensive than a cheaply installed system that develops a leak (can you say $1000+ water bill?!)

[ACWhite]

I have been pleased so far with Complete Lawn Service's system. Their estimate was very similar to that of Affordable Lawn Sprinkler's estimate. Both companies are highly rated by consumers on Checkbook.org. I agree with mominbristow; you don't want to cheap out on this - ask for the number and type of sprinkler heads and drip lines they plan to install, which brand they use, etc., and be sure to do the research. The install. costs depend not just on these things and the size of your lot but on the complexity of the coverage needed. I agree with weezycom - after watching what the employees did for multiple days (in 95 degree heat) and the fact that the company stands behind the work with warranties and service - I think the price I paid (around $3700 for a smaller but oddly shaped property with flower beds) was very reasonable. I'm extremely happy with the results and wish I had done it years ago. The receptionist told me that a lot of people say that.

Also, if you don't already have a suitable electrical outlet for the control panel, in the garage, you have to pay an electrician to install one. This adds another $250 or so.

[dansuz1]

I've been thinking about putting in a sprinkler system, but I was thinking of having a well dug. Is that allowed out here? Has anyone ever had a well dug for a sprinker system? What did the well cost to dig?

Thanks,

Dan